JD Vance distances from Trump after Republican midterm defeat, 2028 run uncertain

US Vice President JD Vance has shifted his campaign focus away from President Trump's signature issues, blaming the Iran war for the Republican loss. Donors and allies urge him to reconsider a 2028 presidential run, with some favoring Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as an alternative.

US Vice President JD Vance has made a sharp strategic shift in his campaign in the days following his party's defeat in the midterm congressional elections. Vance barely mentioned President Donald Trump, avoided addressing the issue of mass deportations and the military confrontation with Tehran, and placed at the center of the stage an independent agenda including economic nationalism, restraint in foreign policy, and domestic security. A Reuters review shows that Vance presented arguments in favor of the party's candidates through his unique policy basket, bypassing Trump's flagship issues. On Wednesday, Vance published a sharp analysis in which he blamed the defeat on the war in Iran and called for a swift end to the military confrontation, while demanding a reassessment of foreign relations with Israel. Trump responded by replacing the White House chief of staff with Stephen Miller. The article notes that Vance's moves mark the opening of the race within the conservative right toward 2028, and that he is seen as the leading contender for the crown, but will need to inherit Trump's voter coalition while shedding his political baggage.